Voigt can start riding again in two weeks

Jens Voigt can look forward to being back on the bike in about two weeks, according to his surgeon. The Saxo Bank rider suffered multiple facial fractures in a horrific crash in the 16th stage of the Tour de France last month.

“Jens Voigt will come back and ride races again,” surgeon Andreas Eisenschenk told the German news agency dpa. "The head injuries are practically healed, without leaving scars. There is no trace of the broken jaw, not even any swelling," he said. "Even the deep flesh wounds on his shoulder, arm and legs have healed, and within a week there will probably be nothing more to see."

The one permanent reminder of the crash will be the titanium plate that was installed in the roof of the German's mouth. He suffered a broken cheekbone and fractured upper jaw in the crash.

There has been no indication as to whether Voigt would race again this season. The German cycling federation has put him on the long list for the World Championships, but the 37-year-old has already said he will skip the Worlds this year. Saxo Bank team manager Bjarne Riis has said, too, that he will consider Voigt for the Tour de France again next year.